Sir Howard Bids Farewell to Jamaica

Outgoing Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, has thanked Jamaicans for the support shown to him, during his 15 years of service as head of state.
Sir Howard, who was delivering his farewell speech at the installation ceremony for new Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Kenneth Hall at King’s House on Wednesday (Feb.15), said that Jamaica had much for which to be thankful. “We have a fruitful and beautiful land and our people have a resourcefulness, vitality and warmth that cannot be matched anywhere in the world,” he stated.
He pointed out that the country was about to enter a new dimension, one in which, there would be new leadership, more economic growth, social and environmental development and certainly, a new dimension in innovativeness and creative expression.
“We cannot deny that in recent times, the soul of our society has been affected by crime and violence. Therefore, we must identify a new determination so that each one of us, no matter our age and social standing, will commit to removing this scourge from our midst,” the former Governor-General said.
Sir Howard Cooke expressed pride in the fact that he had been able to serve his nation as teacher, politician, businessman and head of state. His years of service, he noted, had been made even more possible with the support of his wife Lady Ivy, whom he said, while being his most severe critic, had never failed to nurture him.
He further acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the King’s House Foundation, Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness, Jamaica Homecoming, National Prayer Vigil committee, and also the many leaders of the churches, and the government and non-government organizations, who have assisted his work to build national unity over the years.